Study Finds Exposure to Anti-Palestinian Racism in U.S. Healthcare Settings Associated With Double the Odds of Severe Health Harm

Study Findings Show Exposure to Anti-Palestinian Racism in U.S. Healthcare Settings Associated With Double the Odds of Severe Health Harm

IUAPR research suggests an important patient safety risk that may be impacting more than just Palestinians and calls for urgent institutional action

[SAN FRANCISCO, CA, March 19, 2026]

The Institute for the Understanding of Anti-Palestinian Racism (IUAPR) today released a landmark research report examining the impact of anti-Palestinian racism within U.S. healthcare settings. Drawing on national survey data from over 1,000 respondents, the study identifies a troubling pattern: exposure to anti-Palestinian racism in healthcare settings is associated with elevated odds of reporting negative health impact among patients and providers and the reported experiences extend beyond the Palestinian community itself.

Key Findings

Analyzing national survey data from a convenience sample of over 1,000 respondents, the study identifies three critical dimensions of harm:

Patient Impact

Patients exposed to anti-Palestinian racism in healthcare settings had nearly three times the odds of reporting severe mental or physical health harm compared to healthcare providers exposed in the same environment. This highlights a profound vulnerability among those in the most dependent and vulnerable position: seeking care.

Climate Impact

Exposure to anti-Palestinian racism within healthcare settings was associated with elevated reports of psychological distress, fear, and isolation; potentially creating an environment that undermines the fundamental trust required for effective care.

Institutional Impact

Respondents exposed to anti-Palestinian racism in healthcare settings had twice the odds of reporting severe health impact compared to those who encountered this discrimination in other environments. Exposure in the healthcare setting itself may amplify harm.

A Threat That Reaches Beyond One Community

The data challenge common assumptions about who is most affected. 69% of respondents exposed to anti-Palestinian racism in a healthcare setting did not identify as Palestinian, suggesting that this discrimination targets a broad and diverse range of ethnic and religious groups and may be a systemic institutional issue, not an isolated or community-specific one.

A Climate of Fear

The report further documents a climate of fear, suppression and social harm in respondents exposed to anti-Palestinian racism in healthcare settings:

• 91% of respondents felt isolated or alone in their concern for Palestinian human rights
• 73% reported being afraid to speak out
• 81% experienced social harm (such as silencing, exclusion, harassment, physical threat, or defamation)

Institutional Recommendations

In response to these findings, the IUAPR’s interdisciplinary team of physicians, psychologists, and legal experts calls for immediate action from policymakers, medical boards and hospital administrations:

1. 1. Recognize anti-Palestinian racism as a potential threat to patient safety and respond to incidents with the same rigor applied to other patient safety events.
   2. Enforce Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act to ensure equitable treatment for all patients and staff.
   3. Implement the Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goal to Improve Health Care Equity (NPSG.16.01.01) requirements to prevent, detect, and respond to anti-Palestinian racism.
   4. Fund research, education, and training on anti-Palestinian racism within healthcare institutions and medical organizations.

Expert Voices

“As health professionals, we’re alarmed that places meant for healing are becoming sites of trauma,” said Dr. Toni Biskup, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Alaska Anchorage, Internist, Pediatrician, and IUAPR Co-Chair of Research. “When patients exposed to anti-Palestinian racism in healthcare settings have three times the odds of reporting severe health impact, this raises serious patient safety concerns that require immediate institutional action.”

“This report is a wake-up call,” said Dr. Lama Rimawi, Pediatrician and President of IUAPR. “IUAPR will continue to sound the alarm through empirical research and education in order to better understand and address the negative repercussions of anti-Palestinian racism.”

About This Report

This report builds on IUAPR’s 2024 preliminary study documenting widespread exposure and provides supporting evidence that racism within healthcare institutions may be associated with significantly increased health risks for both patients and providers. The survey was conducted between March and April 2024 and received approval from the University of California San Francisco Institutional Review Board.

About IUAPR
The Institute for the Understanding of Anti-Palestinian Racism (IUAPR) consists of an interdisciplinary team dedicated to empirically researching, educating and advocating on the impact of anti-Palestinian racism on individuals and communities across all sectors of society. IUAPR’s work is made possible through community support.

Explore IUAPR’s Resources: Youth Guide | Research: Preliminary Report | K–12 Policy Recommendations

To support IUAPR’s ongoing work: Donate Here

For further information, please contact [email protected].

Find the Anti-Palestinian Racism Survey: Patient Exposure Associated with Health Harm in US Healthcare Settings Report here